Self contained breathing apparatus illumination system

ABSTRACT

A Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) illumination System utilizing LED (light emitting diode) lights is designed as a modification to attach to a Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) mask to provide increased visibility to Professionals working in an Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (MLR) environment. The SCBA illumination System can be easily installed on a typical mask. The SCBA illumination System comprises a strip of lights coupled to a power supply comprising a power button and a battery pack. The power button may include a push button or pressure sensor that allows a Professional to activate the push button or pressure sensor easily with a gloved hand. The power source may also include some type of circuitry that powers down the light after a specified amount of time to avoid draining the power source.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S.Provisional Application No. 61/960,597, filed Sep. 13, 2013; thecontents of which are incorporated herein in their entirety.

FIELD

The present invention is generally related to Professionals working inImmediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH) environments of decreasedvisibility, and more particularly, the present invention adds lights tothe Professionals Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) forillumination in IDLH environments.

BACKGROUND

Everyday many Professionals, such as Firefighters, Confined SpaceSpecialists and Search and Rescue Personnel, work in ImmediatelyDangerous to Life or Health (IDLH) environments. Many times these IDLHenvironments require the Professional to use Personal ProtectiveEquipment (PPE). One piece of PPE that is part of this group is a SelfContained Breathing Apparatus or SCBA that is a device worn by theProfessional to provide breathable air in an IDLH environment.

In addition to breathing issues, visibility in IDLH environments isoften limited by darkness and/or smoke, and the Professionals have adifficult time seeing without illumination. This limited visibilitypresents a dangerous situation that may compromise both the safety andeffectiveness of the Professionals and their crews. To see in the IDLHenvironment, the Professionals must use some type of portable lighting,such as a flashlight or other hand held lighting. The portable lightingapparatus can be bulky and difficult to control, i.e., turn on or off incertain environments or situations. For example, attempting to operate asmall light switch with gloves on in an environment that requires glovesis difficult. Hand held lights also require use of one hand to hold thelight, which is unacceptable to Professionals that require both hands tobe free.

Thus there is a need for alternative strategies to increase illuminationor visibility in IDLH environments and decrease risk to theProfessionals.

SUMMARY

The present invention is directed to a Self Contained BreathingApparatus (SCBA) Illumination System that can be retrofitted to the maskof a Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) mask to provide increasedvisibility to Professionals working in an Immediately Dangerous to Lifeor Health (IDLH) environment. The present invention results inheightened awareness of surroundings, improved crew accountability &decreased anxiety which all lead to greater safety and efficiency.

In one embodiment, the SCBA Illumination System is designed to attach tothe SCBA mask. The SCBA Illumination System is designed attach to thefactory connections for the SCBA mask bolts by replacing the SCBA maskbolts with anchor bolts designed to couple with the SCBA IlluminationSystem. By coupling the SCBA Illumination System proximate the factoryparts, the SCBA Illumination System conforms to the SCBA mask shape anddoes not interfere with the operation of the SCBA mask, such as thebreathing apparatus or goggles for example.

In another embodiment, the SCBA Illumination System is designed toreplace a current component on a SCBA mask with a lighting system. Inthe embodiment shown, the SCBA Illumination System is designed asreplacement for a factory top molding piece, upper bezel, or metal rim,on the SCBA mask. By coupling the SCBA Illumination System to the SCBAmask by direct replacement of a factory part, the SCBA IlluminationSystem conforms to the mask shape and does not interfere with theoperation of the SCBA mask, such as the breathing apparatus or gogglesfor example.

The SCBA Illumination System also utilizes a touch based switch tooperate the lighting that allows the Professional to operate the SCBAillumination System without removing one's gloves, i.e., turned on oroff without removing one's gloves. The present invention also utilizesLED (light emitting diode) lights that allow for longer use withoutreplacing batteries. Furthermore. LED lights are shock resistant andallow for rugged deployment to a variety of environments that promoteshort life for filament-based lights. Time-out circuitry may be utilizedto turn the light off after a specified amount of time to avoidaccidental battery drain. Preventing accidental battery drain provides amore robust apparatus that remains operational longer between batteryreplacement.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present embodiments may be understood from the following detaileddescription when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawing. Itis emphasized that, the various features of the drawing are notnecessarily to scale. On the contrary, the dimensions of the variousfeatures may be arbitrarily expanded or reduced for clarity.

FIG. 1 is a front view and

FIG. 2 is a side view showing a Self Contained Breathing Apparatus(SCBA) mask according to the embodiments provided herein.

FIG. 3 is a front view and

FIG. 4 is a side view of the SCBA illumination System 105 configured toreplace a factory top molding piece on the SCBA mask shown in FIGS. 1and 2, according to the embodiments provided herein.

FIG. 5 is an exploded view showing the SCBA illumination System designedto use existing factory mounting points on SCBA mask, according to theembodiments provided herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to thefigures, wherein like numerals reflect like elements throughout. Theterminology used in the description presented herein is not intended tobe interpreted in any limited or restrictive way, simply because it isbeing utilized in conjunction with detailed description of certainspecific embodiments of the invention. Furthermore, embodiments of theinvention may include several novel features, no single one of which issolely responsible for its desirable attributes or which is essential topracticing the invention described herein.

FIG. 1 is a front view and FIG. 2 is a side view showing a SelfContained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) mask 100 that fits around the headof a Professional and a glass or transparent material facial opening 110in the front to allow the Professional to see. The present inventionadds an illumination feature to the SCBA mask 100. In the embodimentshown, the illumination feature is a Self Contained Breathing Apparatus(SCBA) illumination System 105, shown along a top portion of a SCBA mask110. In the illustrated embodiment, the SCBA illumination System 105comprises a strip of LED (light emitting diode) lights 115 coupled to apower supply 120 comprising a power button 125 and a battery pack 130.

The LED lights are very energy efficient and therefore are capable ofproviding light for long periods of time on small energy sources. TheSCBA illumination System 105 provides the Professional with a hands freelight source directed forward to illuminate the area generally forwardof the Professional, or in whatever direction the Professional is facingby turning the head. The light source comprises a plurality of highintensity light emitting-diodes (LEDs) or lights 115. The LEDs 115 areelectrically connected to the power source 120 mounted to the SCBAillumination System 105. A means for controlling the on or off state ofthe LEDs 115 is provided in the form of the switch or power button 125connected to the power source or battery pack 130 to power the LEDs 115.

The SCBA illumination System 105 provides a lighting solution forProfessionals such that once the invention has been installed on a mask100, there is no longer a need to utilize a separate light source foremergency situations. The SCBA illumination System 105 can be easilyinstalled on a typical mask 100 with existing mounts 135. By providingthe invention using factory connections, the cost for adding a lightingsolution can be kept to a minimum. The invention also provides extendedlife to old SCBA masks by updating them with the added safety associatedwith a built-in light source.

FIG. 3 is a front view and FIG. 4 is a side view of the SCBAillumination System 105. In the present invention, the SCBA illuminationSystem 105 is a modification to an existing SCBA mask 100, either as anadd-on part or a replacement part.

In one embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the SCBA illumination System 105 isdesigned to use existing factory mounting points 145 on SCBA mask 100 toadd the SCBA illumination System 105. In this embodiment, some of theexisting screws for the factory top molding piece are removed andreplaced by special anchor bolts 140 for attachment of the SCBAillumination System 105. The SCBA illumination System 105 anchors 135are then attached to the anchor bolts 140. This attachment positions theSCBA illumination System 105 proximate the top molding piece of the SCBAmask 100, adding the illumination features to the SCBA mask 100. Theaddition of the SCBA illumination System 105 using the existing screwplacement is designed and configured so it does not affect the SCBAmask's 100 integrity. This enhancement of adding the SCBA illuminationSystem 105 to the SCBA mask 100 will provide the Professional withincreased illumination, visibility, decreasing anxiety, thus keeping theProfessional safer and able to work more efficiently and effectively inthe IDLH environment.

In another embodiment, the SCBA illumination System 105 is designed toreplace an existing factory top molding piece of the SCBA mask 100. Oncethe factory top molding piece is removed, the SCBA illumination System105 is placed in the same location using the same attachments. The SCBAillumination System 105 is designed to perform the same structuralfunction as the replaced top molding piece, but now the SCBA mask 100has been fitted with the illumination features. The SCBA illuminationSystem 105 is designed and configured so it does not affect the SCBAmask's 100 integrity.

The SCBA illumination System 105 is a fully enclosed system thatutilizes LED lights 115 along with the power source 120 to power the LEDlights 115. The high intensity LEDs can be efficiently arranged so thata minimum number of lights are employed on the SCBA mask 100 while stillachieving a well-lit area projecting far forwardly from the SCBA mask100. The figures show 13 LED lights in the SCBA illumination System 105,but it is contemplated that any number of LED lights may be used

In the embodiments shown herein, SCBA illumination System 105 isdesigned as a modification to a SCBA mask 100. The SCBA illuminationSystem 105 and and the electrical conducting path between LEDs aremechanically and integrally disposed within SCBA illumination System105. The power button 125 may include a push button or pressure sensorthat allows for easy operation without requiring a small switch to beactivated for example. This allows a Professional to activate the pushbutton or pressure sensor easily with a gloved hand.

A power source 120 is coupled with the LED(s) and is configured as aslender design for unobstructed mounting. One embodiment of the powersource is a battery pack 130 containing a battery power source or seriesof batteries attached at one end to the lights e.g., LEDs or series ofLEDs. The power source may be batteries such as a 9 V battery, toprovide power to the LED either through direct electrical contact orwiring. In other embodiments, different batteries may be utilized, suchas AA or AAA, or coin style type batteries, such as lithium coin cells.

Since accidental activation and subsequent drain of unit power sourcecan be problematic, the power source 120 may include some type ofcontrol circuitry that powers down the light after a configurable orspecified amount of time.

In various embodiments, the SCBA illumination System 105 comprises aplurality of high intensity light emitting diodes (LED) that radiatelight in a broad spectrum so as to appear white to the human eye. Inother embodiments, other colors of LEDs may be utilized, such as blue,red, white, yellow, green, amber, or combination thereof, depending onthe situation and needs. In some embodiments, the LEDs may also have aflashing mode to provide a signal or warning to other Professionals.

The LEDs can be aligned relative to each other in such a way as toproject a beam of light. The beam of light can be contiguous,non-segmented or in a substantially conical shape so that the beam ofthe LEDs has no dark areas. The LEDs can be parallel to each other oraligned such that the light emitted forms a contiguous pool of lightthat washes the objects that are illuminated by the beams, Someadvantages of LEDs as a light source are durability because they have nofilament and are thus much less susceptible to mechanical damage thanfilament-containing bulbs; relatively cool operation because a filamentis not heated to produce light; claimed longevity of 100,000 hours ofoperation thus obviating the need for replacement and permittingpermanent mounting for the life of some products; high light output withlow current drain compared to filament-containing bulbs, such that lightoutput equal to or greater than that of a common handheld flashlight canbe achieved, and for a longer period of time than with filament bulbsusing a similar power source; small power sources such standard sizebatteries or watch batteries can be used.

In other embodiments, additional or optional LED lights may be designedto fit with other existing screws on the SCBA mask 100. For example, asecond strip of LED lights may be designed to be positioned on lowerportion of the SCBA mask 100 or may be designed to be incorporated on anose piece or other location on the SCBA mask 100. The second strip mayshine forward, like the SCBA illumination System 105, or may shine indifferent directions. This feature adds flexibility to the invention bymaking it possible to shine light in multiple directions at once.

An advantage of the SCBA illumination System 105 is to provide aminiaturized high intensity illumination source, power source andcontrol means that can replace an existing component of SCBA mask 100 insuch a way as to add the utility of hands free illumination for seeingin dark or low visibility places in a IDLH environment while preservingthe overall aesthetic appearance and utility of the SCBA mask 100.

It is still another advantage of the SCBA illumination System 105 toprovide a source of forward directed illumination that can beincorporated into an existing SCBA mask 100 to enhance the intendedutility of such specialized headgear by adding an illumination sourcefor the benefit of the Professional.

It is another advantage of the SCBA illumination System 105 that theutility of an illumination device is always readily available when theSCBA mask 100 is worn, rather than being capable of being forgotten orleft behind, or being carried on one's person in an inconvenient place.

It is another advantage of the SCBA illumination System 105 to provideportable illumination that is automatically directed along theProfessional's line of sight by movement of the Professional's head.

It is another advantage of the SCBA illumination System 105 to provide arobust and reliable source of portable illumination that would noteasily break or fail.

It is still another advantage of the SCBA illumination System 105 thatthe methods of integrating an illumination device into the SCBA mask 100are generally consistent with the methods of manufacture of the SCBAmask 100, e.g. the SCBA illumination System 105 uses existing screwsholes in the mask.

While embodiments and applications of this invention have been shown anddescribed, it would be apparent to those skilled in the art that manymore modifications than mentioned above are possible without departingfrom the inventive concepts herein. The invention, therefore, is not tobe restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims.

It is believed that the construction, operation and advantages of thisinvention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. It is to beunderstood that the present disclosure is illustrative only and thatchanges, variations, substitutions, modifications and equivalents willbe readily apparent to one skilled in the art and that such may be madewithout departing from the spirit of the invention as defined by thefollowing claims.

1. A Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) illumination System incombination with Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) mask, theSCBA illumination System comprising: a strip of lights; a power supplycomprising a power button and a battery pack coupled to the lights; anda mounting mechanism for attachment of the SCBA illumination System toexisting screw locations of the SCBA mask.
 2. The device according toclaim 1, wherein the SCBA illumination system includes light emittingdiodes.
 3. The device according to claim 1, wherein the screws in theexisting screw locations are replaced with anchor bolts for coupling theSCBA illumination System to the SCBA mask.
 4. The device according toclaim 3, wherein the anchor bolts support SCBA illumination System onthe SCBA mask.
 5. The device according to claim 4, wherein the SCBAillumination System is fixedly mounted on the exterior shell of the SCBAmask.
 6. The device according to claim 1, wherein the battery packcontains at least one battery.
 7. The device according to claim 1,wherein the power button is a push button or pressure sensor configuredto be activated with a gloved hand.
 8. The device according to claim 1,wherein the power supply is provided a control circuitry that powersdown the strip of lights after a configurable or specified amount oftime.
 9. The device according to claim 8, wherein the control circuitrycomprises a mechanism for adjusting the strip of lights.
 10. The deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein the SCBA illumination System is supportedproximate an upper edge of a facial opening of the SCBA mask.
 11. Thedevice according to claim 10, wherein the SCBA illumination System doesnot substantially block the facial opening.
 12. The device according toclaim 10, wherein the SCBA illumination system includes a strip oflights to provide a hands free light source directed forward toilluminate an area generally forward of the SCBA mask facial opening, orin whatever direction the SCBA mask facial opening is facing.
 13. Thedevice according to claim 10, wherein the SCBA mask facial openingincludes a pane of substantially transparent material having a topmolding piece extending along the an upper edge, the SCBA illuminationSystem being configured to attach proximate the top molding piece. 14.(canceled) 15-20. (canceled)
 21. A Self Contained Breathing Apparatus(SCBA) illumination System in combination with Self Contained BreathingApparatus (SCBA) mask, the SCBA illumination System comprising: a stripof lights; a power supply comprising a power button and a battery packcoupled to the lights; and a mounting mechanism for fixedly mounting thestrip of lights on an exterior shell of the SCBA mask proximate an upperedge of a facial opening.
 22. The device according to claim 21, furthercomprising a second strip of lights positioned proximate a lower portionof the SCBA mask.
 23. The device according to claim 21, wherein thepower supply is provided a control circuitry that powers down the stripof lights after a configurable or specified amount of time.
 24. Thedevice according to claim 21, wherein the power button is a push buttonor pressure sensor configured to be activated with a gloved hand.
 25. ASelf Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) illumination System incombination with Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) mask, theSCBA illumination System comprising: a first strip of lights fixedlymounting on an exterior shell of the SCBA mask proximate an upper edgeof a facial opening; and a power supply comprising a power button and abattery pack coupled to the lights.
 26. The device according to claim25, further comprising a second strip of lights positioned proximate alower portion of the SCBA mask.
 27. The device according to claim 25,wherein the power supply is provided a control circuitry that powersdown the strip of lights after a configurable or specified amount oftime.